Memorial Day

Still shot from Vintage Video - Military Honors
dwm photo

  Memorial Day remembers the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.

  Virtually no one is looking to make that sacrifice, but are willing to give their life for their comrades in arms and the values and ideas for which they fight.

  As citizens of the United States we pause to recognize that others went in our place; served in our place; and died in our stead.  It's humbling.

  More than humbling, it puts in perspective the esteem and dedication soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen and women hold for our Constitution and the ideals written in the Declaration of Independence.

I never served in the military.  Members of our family have and are serving the country and I'm thankful for their service.  In my experience, current and former members of the military don't like the word "hero" as it only describes those who don't come home.

Still shot from
Vintage Video - Military Honors. 

That "last full measure of devotion" should remind us to take our rights and responsibilities seriously.  We need to exercise the right to vote and encourage our fellow voters to exercise the privilege that caused many to spill their blood.

In the aftermath of a contentious election which saw a sitting President dispute the result of a fair election; ask his Vice-President to ignore the Constitution; and encourage his followers to overthrow the election's result... it is a perfect time to reflect on the principles of our democratic republic.

We support, campaign, and vote for the man or woman we think is best for the job.  When an election is fair we might grumble, but ultimately respect the result of the election and become what is known as the "loyal opposition."  

It's the job of the party out of office to serve as a check and balance, not obstructionists.  Sadly, we've seen both sides of the aisle engage in this very un-American behavior.

The blood shed by so many deserves more.  This country and the hundreds of millions of people who call it home deserve more.  I think that is the best way to honor those who gave their lives for us and their country.